NYSC provides free healthcare to 4,000 IDPs in Kaduna

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has conducted a free medical outreach under its second quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in Kudansa, Kujama District of Gbagyi Chiefdom, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The one-day outreach, held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, targeted residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the area, providing free consultations, medical tests, and essential drugs, while serious cases were referred to higher medical facilities.

IDP Coordinator for Mararaban Rido, Comrade Adam Sule, appreciated the NYSC’s intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.

He revealed that about 4,000 displaced persons, mostly farmers, are currently residing in difficult conditions across uncompleted and makeshift structures in the area.

“We don’t have a formal camp, but we all gather here as displaced persons.

“Many of us cannot afford medical care. This initiative has brought relief,” he said.

The traditional leader of Kudansa, Mr Auta A. Ganyi, also expressed gratitude to NYSC for choosing the community.

“Many displaced persons live here and can’t afford hospitals or drugs.

“This programme is timely and 100 per cent helpful to us,” he said.

Speaking during the event, the NYSC Kaduna State Coordinator, Mrs Efeke Murna Dadaza, explained that the HIRD programme was a collaborative initiative between NYSC and the Federal Government, designed to reach vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas.

“This health outreach is completely free. You are not paying a dime. The only place you may need to pay is if you are referred to another facility,” she stated.

Assistant Director of Community Development Services, Mr Samaila Haruna, who supervised the exercise, commended the corps medical team who attended to various ailments and educated beneficiaries on preventive health practices.

“The outreach is a part of NYSC’s efforts to contribute to national development by improving access to healthcare in underserved communities,” he said.

A health talk was delivered by Corps Dr Daniel Okereke, who advised residents to adopt good hygiene practices, including proper hand washing and waste disposal, to reduce the risk of illness.